Toronto ranked only 16th best city to live in Canada

It seems every day there is a new city ranking, and every day Toronto is near the top of the list. Today is not one of those days.  

The city is great at being livable on a world scale, having a high quality of life, and being home to a large financial sector, but, it seems compared to our Canadian neighbours, we may not be number one in every category. 

A new MoneySense ranking has found Toronto to be the 16th-best place to live in the country. We aren't the worst, but we're definitely lower than what we can proud of.  

Here are the cities who took the top twenty spots:

• 1. Oakville, ON
• 2. Ottawa, ON
• 3. Russell, ON
• 4. Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC
• 5. Lacbome, AB
• 6. Milton, ON
• 7. Canmore, AB
• 8. Westmount, QC
• 9. Saint-Lambert, QC
• 10. Halton Hills, ON
• 11. Camrose, AB
• 12. Red Deer, AB
• 13. Mont-Royal, QC
• 14. Saugeen Shores, QC
• 15. Fort St. John, BC
• 16. Toronto, ON
• 17. Lévis, QC
• 18. King, ON
• 19. St. Albert, AB
• 20. Whistler, BC

The methodology consisted of various elements that make a city a great place to live, including economy, affordability, demographics, taxes, weather, health, amenities, and culture.

Some of these factors, like economy and affordability, were given more weight than others, like amenities. 

However, the rankings page includes sliders that allow you to redistribute the cities based on the factors you personally find important.

If you lower the priority of "low-crime" and "housing affordability," suddenly Toronto moves to the top spot. 

So, in summary, Toronto is still number one (kind of). 

by Michael Ott via blogTO

This lavender farm near Toronto will let you stay the night

House of the week: 687 Woburn Avenue

Just once I wish a listing would say a house is a “hermit's dream.” You know, everything you need without ever having to interact with the outside world? This place may be advertised as “an entertainer's dream,” but I think it could work equally well for a recluse.

The modern six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home is sensational. There’s plenty of room with 6,600 square feet of bright airy living space. It also has Smart Home automation and security cameras so you can make sure you’re only opening the door for Amazon deliveries.

On the main floor you'll find the kitchen, living and dining areas. They’re contemporary and minimalist, with gorgeous marble and walnut floors throughout.

The glass and floating staircases make the home uncluttered and fresh.

The kitchen is ultra-sleek with high-tech appliances, and there’s even a built-in espresso machine, so forget going to fancy coffee shops!

The walnut office is perfect for working from home.

Upstairs are the spacious bedrooms. 

The only exception being the random bedroom that’s on the in-between floor. It’s just a bed at the top of a staircase that leads nowhere… I think this space could be better utilized for literally anything else.

The master bedroom is filled with natural light, has a walk-in closet and a huge en suite.

In the basement, there’s a massive rec room as well as a spa with both a dry and steam sauna. Fancy!

Also downstairs is a wine cellar and the entertainment room, which comes equipped with a high-def projector and surround sound.

Outside is a pool that looks especially inviting at this time of year. The pool, combined with the landscaped backyard, makes this the perfect spot to spend your entire summer.

Specs

• Address: 687 Woburn Ave.
• Price: $4,397,000
• Lot Size: 60 x 133 feet
• Bedrooms: 5 + 1
• Bathrooms: 7
• Parking: 8
• Walk Score: 72
• Transit Score: 63
• Listing agent: Assaf Sinai
• Listing ID: C4199359

Good For

A homebody. This house has everything you could possibly want or need. From the pool to the wine cellar, it’s perfect for someone who feels most comfortable at home. Also when you don't want to use the stairs, there’s always the elevator.  

Move On If

You’re not a fan of the contemporary design. While gorgeous for a clean, crisp, minimalism lifestyle, it can be somewhat devoid of character.

by Misha Gajewski via blogTO

10 things to do in Toronto today

There's lots going on in Toronto, and events today include a performance by St. Vincent and a free outdoor movie screening. There's a a big soca party in celebration of Caribana week and a free concert by Shy Kids.

Events you might want to check out:

St. Vincent (July 31 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
Everyone's favourite avant-pop electro queen St. Vincent is in Toronto for the night, playing hits off her most recent album, Masseduction.
20 Feet From Stardom (July 31 @ Yonge-Dundas Square)
Backup singers for Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger and Sting tell their stories at this outdoor screening in the heart of downtown.
416 Light Up The Night (July 31 @ Withrow Park)
Individuals representing theatre, film and TV are looking to pay their respects to the victims of the Danforth Shooting with a candlelight vigil.
Sylvan Esso (July 31 @ Danforth Music Hall)
Heavy on the synth, light on the pop; Sylvan Esso have been making waves after the release of their second album What Now.
Them (July 31 @ The Royal Cinema)
This edition of Queer Fear looks to enjoy, challenge and examine this 1954 sci-fi thriller's ideas of a 'nuclear family.'
Lonely Parade (July 31 @ The Baby G)
Montreal's Lonely Parade is quickly gaining a reputation for quality punk rock pop, and they're here with T-Rextasy and Mother Tongues.
Tuesday on the Rocks (July 31 @ Rebel)
Tuesday are for soca and a this big scoop party featuring Kes the Band is going down in celebration of Caribana week in Toronto.
Rated PG (July 31 @ Smiling Buddha)
It's a night for emerging artists to show their stuff at this party for all genres, plus dance, music, visual art and more.
Find Her Tonight (July 31 @ Burdock)
A night of mixed theatre and performances written by young Canadians is on, touching on topics like dating and relationships.
Shy Kids (July 31 @ Sir John A. MacDonald Plaza - Union Station)
Toronto's own Shy Kids are performing their quirky, upbeat tunes during this free outdoor concert as part of Union Summer.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

Now it's easier than ever to buy products made in Canada

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live through a trade war with our country's closest ally, now's the time to be alive. But, a new website wants to help you through it. 

As Canada and the U.S. start to enforce newly-imposed tariffs against one another, prices for imported goods (everything from jam to coffee to metal and mayonnaise) are increasing. 

As a result, many Canadians are looking to start shopping at more local businesses, buying Canadian-made goods, and keeping the cash flowing at home. 

But, shopping local isn't always easy, especially when you don't know what's Canadian-made and what isn't. Luckily, madeinca.ca is on the case. 

This new site, started by 17-year-old Tyler Campbell, is working to compile a list of everything you can buy—and where to get it locally. 

"We know it can be hard to find Canadian-made products, and even harder to find Canadian-made products from a Canadian-owned company. So we’re making a list," reads the info page. 

Users can browse by category to find what they're looking for, including Automotive, Food, Kitchen, Sports, Furniture, and more. You can also search directly to check a company or product to see if it's Canadian. 

There is also an option for others to submit companies not listed, which is good, as the database is far from complete. At the moment, almost 250 Canadian choices have been listed, and that number is growing. 

So if you're looking to buy some new cereal this week, check out how you can keep that money at home this time around (hint―it's not Corn Flakes). 

by Michael Ott via blogTO

Blue Jays fans applaud and condemn trade of Roberto Osuna

Roberto Osuna was traded to the Houston Astros today for Ken Giles and a pair of minor league pitchers. It was a move that many said the Toronto Blue Jays had to make.

OFFICIAL: We've acquired RHP Ken Giles, minor league RHP Hector Perez and minor league RHP David Paulino from the @Astros in exchange for RHP Roberto Osuna. pic.twitter.com/JG98oa0cXj

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 30, 2018

According to reports, Jays ownership made the decision earlier this season in the wake of Osuna's arrest on assault charges.

Source: #BlueJays decided earlier this season that Roberto Osuna would not pitch for them again at @MLB level following the domestic violence incident. Blue Jays ownership and management decided to make the best trade they could. This was it. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2018

By trading Osuna now, Blue Jays owner Rogers Communications is mitigating any risks of consumer and shareholder backlash should they have welcomed him back to the roster once his suspension concluded this weekend.

From the beginning, I said that Rogers, a publicly traded company with shareholders to answer to, would NEVER allow Roberto Osuna to pitch for the #BlueJays again. This had nothing to do with baseball. This was done to keep the stock from taking a dive.

— Mark Hebscher (@Hebsyman) July 30, 2018

Roberto Osuna himself has released a statement saying he's "excited to join the Houston Astros and move forward with a fresh start to my career."

Irregardless of the return, it was the right move for the Blue Jays to trade Roberto Osuna. It doesn't matter who comes back in return. If the Jays wanted to remain a self-respecting club, they club couldn't move forward with him on the roster.

— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) July 30, 2018

Fans have both applauded and lamented the trade, both commending the spirit of it while expressing frustration at the quality of players it brought back.

They players involved points to one thing...not a baseball move in anyway...Rogers as a company put the presure on the Jays FO to get him out at any cost!

Osuna is the youngest most dominated closer in the game...he's worth is much more then the garbage we got today!

— Fitzy (@Fitzy_TFC_MUFC) July 30, 2018

Meanwhile, Osuna is expected back at Rogers Centre on September 24. That's when his new team starts a 3-game series to mark the final Jays' homestand of the regular season.

by Staff via blogTO

Toronto city council wants referendum in wake of Doug Ford cuts

The provincial government has just released the legislation it promised would cut back Toronto's city council to almost half its size. 

The Better Local Government Act 2018 solidifies Premier Doug Ford's new policies, aligning Toronto's municipal ward boundaries with the provincial ridings. 

The Act, which makes amendments and repeals to the City of Toronto Act (2006), the Municipal Act (2001), and the Municipal Elections Act (1996), also states that the regional chairs of York, Niagara, and Peel will be appointed, rather than elected. 

The new legislation does not contain any surprises. That is, only the changes promised by Ford last week are present. 

Some expected term limits for city councillors to be a new addition, but they were not. It looks like Toronto's councillors can continue to serve for life for now. 

The Better Local Government Act 2018 has been introduced. Does NOT feature term limits, nor does it strengthen mayoral powers. Just reorganizes council to federal/provincial ridings and eliminates elections for some regional chairs #topoli #onpoli

— Stephen Hoff (@NewsHoff) July 30, 2018

During the meeting at Queen's Park earlier today, official opposition leader Andrea Horwath grilled Ford on several aspects of the bill, including calling the premier a "dictator" and asking if he plans to use the new shakeup to rig the city elections. 

Ford replied that the new cutbacks to council would "save 500,000 pieces of paper."

However, some analysts are already beginning to examine the legislation to see if it will hold up in court, should it end up there. 

Depriving one municipality's residents of their rights to petition ward boundaries, while all the others retain it would be considered patently unjust and fettering provincial discretion... Don't even get me started on the cancelling of regional chair elections just for 2018...

— AJ Wray 🥑 (@WrayAJ) July 30, 2018

Toronto City Council itself called for a referendum on the topic at a special meeting this afternoon. Mayor John Tory suggested a referendum was the only way to get "the views of the people" and engage in a "full debate."

As part of this debate, City Council approved my call for the province to hold a binding referendum before proceeding with any changes to the Toronto ward boundaries.

— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) July 30, 2018

The bill could also be subject to a number of legal challenges. Should it proceed, the bill must then receive Royal Assent before becoming law. 

by Michael Ott via blogTO